Q: I would like to get the iPad 2 with the ability to get a data package. Will the 16gb accomodate a data plan?

A data plan has nothing to do with the device's memory. You need to look for a device that has cellular abilities and then get the gig size that will work for you. The gig measurements refer to how much stoarage space the device has for the data and apps you want to put on the device.

16 gig, which is really about 13 gig of free space after you take the operating system out of the way, means you just can't data hoard. 32 and 64 gig gives you more storage space.

What you need to consider when you buy your device is whether or not it will work with whomever you buy your data from. The two major companies, Verizon and AT&T use different systems. So you need to make sure your iPad is compatible with whichever one you plan to use.

Apple makes iPad 2 with cellular.

Your first choice is color: black or white.

Then second choice is Wi-Fi only or Wi-Fi plus cellular

If you select cellular you must choose AT&T or Verizon.

If you have a Verizon account and use other phones or tablets on Verizon you can add the new iPad 2 to your Verizon plan

The iPad 2 only comes in 16 GB now. Other iPads have more choices for storage. 16 GB is definitely the bare minimum but many people get along just fine with that level of storage.

There are several different models of iPad 2.

First, there is the wifi only model and the wifi + cellular model. The wifi model can only go online if connected to a wifi signal. The wifi + cellular model can go online when connected to a wifi signal, plus like a smart phone, can connect to a cell provider like ATT or Verizon. You have to have a data plan (costs $) with a cell provider.

When I bought my iPad 2, I had to specify which cell provider - ATT or Verizon. I chose Verizon. The Verizon model will not work on ATT.

What iPad 2 model do you have? The amount of storage - 16GB, 32GB or 64GB - has ne bearing on a cell data plan.

Since you mentioned "backup", do you really mean iCloud storage? You get 5GB of iCloud storage free, however, you have to purchase additional GBs if you want to do a full iCloud backup of your iPad.

 Cheers, Tom

BarbaraSF wrote:

 

More importantly, when we go to my husbands mothers home, she has no internet.  If I have to do something via internet I have to use my smartphone.  So I would like to be able to use the ipad to access the internet at her house instead of using the phone (ipad is bigger-easier to use). 

 

iOS: Understanding Personal Hotspot

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4517

Use Bluetooth to tether your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad

http://www.macworld.com/article/1159258/bluetooth_tethering.html

How to Connect an iPad to an iPhone Via Bluetooth Tethering

http://techtips.salon.com/connect-ipad-iphone-via-bluetooth-tethering-25472.html

Get a Mi-Fi http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MiF

 Cheers, Tom

I think you'll get a much better deal at the Apple online certified refurbished store. An ipad 2 64gb with cellular is there right now and costs $499.00 vs a new ipad 2 16gb with cellular which is $529.00. They also sell a 32 gb with cellular for $399.00 but only the 64gb is available now. With a refurb from anywhere else, you will not get what you will from the Apple refurb store.

Each Apple refurbished ipad (any version) comes with a new front and back cover, a brand new battery and a full one year warranty with 90 days of phone support. Each comes in a white box like a new ipad with the wall charger and usb cable. The only difference is that it says in small print on the bottom of the box that it is Apple certified refurbished. Also, if you buy refurb, be sure to check the store many times a day. They can come and go quickly, so when you see what you want, buy it right away. Shipping is free and pretty fast. (We bought two a year and a half ago and they have been great!)

This way you'll have cellular, all the room you need and then some and you'll save $30.00.

Let us know what you do and enjoy your new ipad!

Hope this helps.